Tool assembly with pivotable clamping beam

ABSTRACT

A tool assembly includes first and second jaws, and a clamp assembly having a body portion and first and second beams that are engaged with the first and second jaws. The clamp assembly is movable in relation to the first and second jaws to move the tool assembly from an open position to a clamped position. One of the first or second beams is pivotably coupled to the body portion of the clamp assembly such that the beam can be engaged with the pivotable jaw of the tool assembly when the jaw is in an open position. This allows the clamp assembly to be positioned between the jaws when the tool assembly is in the open position to minimize dead space within the tool assembly.

FIELD

This technology is generally related to stapling devices and, more particularly, to stapling devices having tool assemblies with I-beam closure.

BACKGROUND

Surgical stapling devices for suturing tissue during surgical procedures are well known. Such devices are capable of suturing tissue faster than tissue can be sutured using traditional suturing techniques. As such, surgical stapling devices reduce time required to perform a surgical procedure and minimize trauma to a patient.

Typically, linear stapling devices include a tool assembly having a first jaw that is pivotally coupled to a second jaw such that the tool assembly is movable between open and clamped positions. Known linear stapling devices use an I-beam including first and second beams to move the tool assembly between the open and clamped positions. In such devices, one of the jaws includes an angled cam surface, e.g., a “z-bend”, and the I-beam is positioned within the tool assembly at a location proximally of the z-bend. When the I-beam is advanced along the jaws of the tool assembly, one of the first or second beams of the I-beam engages the z-bend to urge the tool assembly from the open position to the clamped position.

In such linear stapling devices, the tool assembly must have an area positioned proximally of the z-bend to house the I-beam prior to actuation of the tool assembly. This housing area forms dead space within the tool assembly and increases the overall length of the stapling device.

SUMMARY

This disclosure generally relates to a tool assembly for a surgical stapling device that includes a clamp assembly having an I-beam configuration including first and second beams that are interconnected by a central body portion. The tool assembly includes a first and second jaws that are pivotably coupled to each other and movable between open and clamped positions. The first beam of the clamp assembly is pivotably coupled to the vertical strut and is movable from a first position in which longitudinal axes of the first and second beams of the clamp assembly define an acute angle with each other and a second position in which the first and second longitudinal axes are substantially parallel to each other. The provision of a pivotable beam on the clamp assembly allows the first beam to be engaged with the first jaw when the tool assembly is in an open position to minimize dead space within the tool assembly and maximize the useful length of the tool assembly.

In one aspect, the disclosure provides a clamp assembly for use with a tool assembly for stapling tissue. The clamp assembly includes a central body portion, a first beam, and a second beam. The central body portion has first and second ends. The first beam defines a first axis and is pivotably coupled to the first end of the central body portion. The first beam extends transversely outwardly of the central body portion. The second beam defines a second axis and is fixedly secured to the second end of the central body portion. The second beam extends transversely outwardly of the central body portion. The first beam is pivotable from a first position in which the first and second axes define an acute angle and a second position in which the first and second axes are parallel.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides a tool assembly including an anvil, a cartridge assembly, and a clamp assembly. The anvil has a tissue engaging surface and defines a first enclosed channel that extends longitudinally through the anvil. The cartridge assembly includes a channel member and a staple cartridge. The channel member defines a recess and a second channel that extends longitudinally along the channel member. The staple cartridge includes a tissue engaging surface and is received within the recess of the channel member. The clamp assembly includes a central body portion, a first beam, and a second beam. The central body portion has first and second ends. The first beam defines a first axis and is pivotably coupled to the first end of the central body portion. The first beam extends transversely outwardly of the central body portion and is received within one of the first or second channels. The second beam defines a second axis and is fixedly secured to the second end of the central body portion. The second beam extends transversely outwardly of the central body portion and is received in the other of the first or second channels. The first beam is pivotable from a first position in which the first and second axes define an acute angle and a second position in which the first and second axes are parallel.

In aspects of the disclosure, the central body portion includes a vertical strut and a base portion.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the base portion defines a threaded through bore.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the vertical strut includes a hook that defines a circular recess and the first beam supports a pivot member that is received within the circular recess to pivotably couple the first beam to the central body portion.

In aspects of the disclosure, the first beam includes transverse extensions that extend transversely of the central body portion.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the first beam includes a distal portion that includes a cam member.

In certain aspects of the disclosure, the cam member has a distally facing tapered surface.

In aspects of the disclosure, the vertical strut includes an upper portion and the first beam defines a longitudinal bore.

In some aspects of the disclosure, the upper portion of the vertical strut is received within the longitudinal bore when the first beam is in the second position to retain the first beam in the second position.

Other features of the disclosure will be appreciated from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a tool assembly including aspects of the disclosure with the tool assembly in an open position;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 2-2 of FIG. 1 with a clamp assembly of the disclosed tool assembly in a retracted position and the tool assembly in the open position;

FIG. 3 is side perspective view from below of the clamping member of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 2 with a first beam of the clamp assembly separated from a body portion of the clamping member;

FIG. 4 is side perspective view from below of the clamping member of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 3 with the first beam of the clamping member coupled to the body portion of the clamping member and in a perpendicular orientation;

FIG. 5 is side perspective view from above of the clamping member of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 4 with the first beam of the clamping member in the perpendicular orientation;

FIG. 6 is side perspective view from above of the clamping member of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 5 with the first beam of the clamping member in a pivoted orientation;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 2-2 of FIG. 1 as the clamp assembly moves from its retracted position towards its advanced position with the tool assembly positioned between the open and clamped positions;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 10-10 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 2-2 of FIG. 1 as the clamp assembly moves towards its advanced position with the tool assembly in the clamped position; and

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the indicated area of detail shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed tool assembly for a surgical stapling device will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. However, it is to be understood that the aspects of the disclosure described herein are merely exemplary of the disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the disclosure in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.

In this description, the term “proximal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is closer to a clinician, while the term “distal” is used generally to refer to that portion of the device that is farther from the clinician. In addition, the term “endoscopic” is used generally to refer to endoscopic, laparoscopic, arthroscopic, and/or any other procedure conducted through small diameter incision or cannula. Further, the term “clinician” is used generally to refer to medical personnel including doctors, nurses, and support personnel. Finally, as used herein, the terms “parallel” and “perpendicular” are understood to include relative configurations that are substantially parallel and substantially perpendicular up to about + or −10 degrees from true parallel and true perpendicular.

The disclosed tool assembly for a surgical stapling device includes a first jaw that supports an anvil and a second jaw that supports a cartridge assembly. The tool assembly includes a clamping member that has a first beam that is engaged with the first jaw and a second beam that is engaged with the second jaw. The clamping member is movable through the tool assembly to pivot the tool assembly between open and clamped positions. In aspects of the disclosure, one of the beams is pivotably coupled to a body portion of the clamping member such that the first and second beams can engage with the first and second jaws in the open and clamped positions of the tool assembly. By providing a pivotable beam on the clamping member, dead space within the tool assembly can be minimized to maximize the useful length of the tool assembly, i.e., the length of the tool assembly that is used for stapling tissue.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a tool assembly shown generally as tool assembly 10 including exemplary aspects of the disclosure. The tool assembly 10 includes an anvil 12, a cartridge assembly 14, and a clamp assembly 16 (FIG. 2). The cartridge assembly 14 includes a channel 18 and a staple cartridge 20. The channel member 18 defines a recess 22 that receives the staple cartridge 20. It is envisioned that the staple cartridge 20 can be fixedly or releasably supported within the recess 22 of the channel member 18. The staple cartridge 20 includes a body 24 that has a tissue engaging surface 24 a and defines a knife slot 26 (FIG. 1) and an array of staple pockets 28 that are positioned on each side of the knife slot 26. Although not shown in detail, each of the staple pockets 28 receives a staple and a pusher. As is known in the art, an actuation sled (not shown) is movable through the staple cartridge 20 into engagement with the pushers to eject the staples from the staple cartridge 20.

The anvil 12 includes a tissue engaging surface 12 a (FIG. 1) and is coupled to the channel member 18 by a pivot member 30 to facilitate movement of the anvil 12 in relation to the cartridge assembly 14 between an open position shown in FIG. 1 and a clamped position shown in FIG. 11. In the clamped position, the tissue engaging surface 12 a of the anvil 12 is in juxtaposed alignment with the tissue engaging surface 24 a of the body 24 of the staple cartridge 20.

In aspects of the disclosure, the cartridge assembly 14 includes a mounting hub 36 that is adapted to be coupled to a surgical stapling device (not shown) to secure the tool assembly 10 to an actuator assembly (not shown) of the surgical stapling device. as illustrated, the anvil 12 pivots in relation to the surgical stapling device and the cartridge assembly 14. It is envisioned that the channel member 18 of the cartridge assembly 14 can be coupled to the anvil 12 about a pivot member and that the anvil 12 can be secured to the surgical stapling device in a non-pivotable or fixed manner such that the cartridge assembly 14 can pivot in relation to the anvil 12 and the surgical stapling device (not shown) between the open and clamped positions.

FIGS. 2-7 illustrate the clamp assembly 16 of the tool assembly 10. The clamp assembly 16 includes a central body portion 40, a first beam 42 coupled to one end of the central body portion 40, and a second beam 44 coupled to the other end of the central body portion 40. The first and second beams 42, 44 extend transversely from the central body portion 40. The central body portion 40 includes a base portion 46 (FIG. 3) that defines a threaded through bore 48 and a vertical strut 50. The vertical strut 50 includes a first end portion that is integrally formed with or coupled to the base portion 46 and a second end portion that includes a hook portion 51 that defines a circular recess 52. The second beam 44 may be formed integrally with the base portion 46. Alternately, the second beam 44 can be formed separately from the base portion 46 and fixedly secured to the base portion 46 using any known fastening technique including, e.g., welding.

The first beam 42 includes a body portion 60 and transverse extensions 62. The body portion 60 includes a proximal portion 64 that defines a bore 68 and a distal portion that includes a cam member 70. The cam member 70 has a distally facing surface 70 a that is tapered downwardly and proximally from the distal end of the first beam 42. The body portion 60 supports a pivot member 66 (FIG. 7) that is positioned within the bore 68. The hook portion 51 of the central body portion 40 of the clamp assembly 16 is received within the opening 68 in the first beam 42 such that the hook portion 51 extends about the pivot member 66 and downwardly through the opening 68. In this position, the pivot member 66 is received within the circular recess 52 of the hook portion 51. Receipt of the pivot member 66 within the circular recess 52 of the hook portion 51 pivotably couples the first beam 42 to the central body portion 40 of the clamp assembly 16 such that the first beam 42 of the clamp assembly 16 can rotate about the pivot member 66 from a first position (FIG. 2) to a second position (FIG. 8). In the first and second positions, a longitudinal axis “T” (FIG. 9) of the first beam 42 is parallel to the longitudinal axis “X” of the anvil 12. In the first position, the longitudinal axis “T” defined by the first beam 42 and a longitudinal axis “X” of the anvil 12 defines an acute angle “Z” (FIG. 7) with a longitudinal axis “Y” of the tool assembly 10. In the second position, the longitudinal axis “T” of the first beam 42, the longitudinal axis “X” of the anvil 12, and the longitudinal axis “Y” of the tool assembly 10 are all substantially parallel.

The body portion 60 of the first beam 42 of the clamp assembly 16 includes a longitudinal bore 72 (FIG. 5) that may communicate with the opening 68 in the first beam 42. The longitudinal bore receives an upper portion 74 of the vertical strut 50 when the first beam 42 is moved to its second position to retain the first beam 42 in the second position (FIG. 5). More specifically, the upper portion 74 of the vertical strut 50 is received within the longitudinal bore 70 of the first beam 42 in a friction-fit manner to retain the first beam in its second position.

The anvil 12 defines an enclosed channel 80 (FIG. 10) that receives the transverse extensions 62 of the first beam 42. Similarly, the channel member 18 defines a channel or recess 82 that receives the second beam 44 of the clamp assembly 16. When the clamp assembly 16 is moved from a retracted position (FIG. 2) to an advanced position (FIG. 11), the first beam 42 and the second beam 44 move along the channel 80 and the channel 82 of the anvil 12 and cartridge assembly 14, respectively, to move the tool assembly 10 from its open position to its clamped position. It is envisioned that the channel member 18 need not define a channel or recess and that the second beam 44 can move along an outer surface of the channel member 18.

In aspects of the disclosure, the tool assembly 10 includes a drive screw 90 that is received within the threaded through bore 48 defined by the base portion 46 (FIG. 3) of the central body portion 40 of the clamp assembly 16. When the drive screw 90 is rotated via actuation of the surgical stapling device (not shown), the clamp assembly 16 translates longitudinally within the tool assembly 10 between its retracted and advanced positions to actuate the tool assembly 10, i.e., fire staples from the staple cartridge 20 and cut tissue clamped between the staple cartridge 20 and the anvil 12.

FIGS. 2 and 7 illustrate the tool assembly 10 with the clamp assembly 16 in the retracted position and the tool assembly 10 in the open position. In this position, the distal portion of the first beam 42 including the cam member 70 is aligned with the channel 80 (FIG. 10) of the anvil 12. In the open position, the angle “Z” defined by the longitudinal axes “T” and “X” of the first beam and the anvil 12, respectively, and the longitudinal axis “Y” of the tool assembly 10 is an acute angle. In some aspects of the disclosure, in the open position the angle “Z” is from about 10 degrees to about 18 degrees. In certain aspects of the disclosure, in the open position the angle Z is about 13 degrees. Other angular positions are envisioned.

FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate the tool assembly 10 as the clamp assembly 16 begins to advance in the direction indicated by arrow “A” in FIG. 8 from its retracted position towards its advanced position. As the first beam 42 moves within the channel 80 defined by the anvil 12, the first beam 42 and the anvil 12 pivot in the direction of arrow “B” in FIG. 8 towards the clamped position. When the distal end of the upper portion 74 of the vertical strut 50 of the clamp assembly 16 is received within the longitudinal bore 72 of the first beam 42 of the clamp assembly 16, engagement between the upper portion 74 of the vertical strut 50 obstructs free pivotal movement of the first beam 42. When the first beam 42 is fully received within the channel 80 of the anvil 12, the angle “Z” defined between the longitudinal axis “T” and “X” of the first beam 42 and the anvil 12, respectively, and the longitudinal axis “Y” of the tool assembly 16 is from about 2 degrees to about 6 degrees and can be about 4 degrees.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the tool assembly 10 in the fully clamped position as staples (not shown) are fired from the tool assembly 10. In this position, the clamp assembly 16 is approaching its advanced position and the angle “Z” defined between the longitudinal axis “T” and “X” of the first beam 42 and the anvil 12, respectively, and the longitudinal axis “Y” of the tool assembly 10 is about 0 degrees, i.e., the longitudinal axis “T” and “X” of the first beam 42 and the anvil 12, respectively, and the longitudinal axis “Y” of the anvil 12 are substantially parallel. As shown, the upper portion 74 of the vertical strut 50 of the clamp assembly 16 is fully received within the longitudinal bore 72 of the first beam 42 of the clamp assembly 16 to retain the first beam 42 in the second position parallel to the tool assembly 10.

As described above, the disclosed clamp assembly 16 allows first beam 42 of the clamp assembly 16 to be engaged with a pivotable jaw, e.g., anvil 12, of the tool assembly 10 when the pivotable jaw is in an open position. This allows the clamp assembly 16 to positioned between the jaws, e.g., anvil and cartridge assembly, in the open position of the tool assembly to minimize dead space within the tool assembly 10.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary aspects of the disclosure. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary aspect of the disclosure may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the disclosure. As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the disclosure based on the above-described aspects of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A clamp assembly for use with a tool assembly for stapling tissue, the clamp assembly comprising: a central body portion having first and second ends; a first beam defining a first axis and being pivotably coupled to the first end of the central body portion, the first beam extending transversely outwardly of the central body portion; and a second beam defining a second axis and being fixedly secured to the second end of the central body portion, the second beam extending transversely outwardly of the central body portion, wherein the first beam is pivotable from a first position in which the first and second axes define an acute angle and a second position in which the first and second axes are parallel.
 2. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the central body portion includes a vertical strut and a base portion.
 3. The clamp assembly of claim 2, wherein the base portion defines a threaded through bore.
 4. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the vertical strut includes a hook that defines a circular recess and the first beam supports a pivot member, the pivot member received within the circular recess to pivotably couple the first beam to the central body portion.
 5. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the first beam includes transverse extensions that extend transversely of the central body portion.
 6. The clamp assembly of claim 1, wherein the first beam includes a distal portion that includes a cam member.
 7. The clamp assembly of claim 6, wherein the cam member has a distally facing tapered surface.
 8. The clamp assembly of claim 2, wherein the vertical strut includes an upper portion and the first beam defines a longitudinal bore, the upper portion of the vertical strut received within the longitudinal bore when the first beam is in the second position to retain the first beam in the second position.
 9. A tool assembly comprising: an anvil having a tissue engaging surface, the anvil defining a first enclosed channel extending longitudinally through the anvil; a cartridge assembly including a channel member and a staple cartridge, the channel member defining a recess and a second channel extending longitudinally along the channel member, the staple cartridge including a tissue engaging surface and being received within the recess of the channel member; and a clamp assembly including: a central body portion having first and second ends; a first beam defining a first axis pivotably coupled to the first end of the central body portion, the first beam extending transversely outwardly of the central body portion and being received within one of the first or second channels; and a second beam defining a second axis fixedly secured to the second end of the central body portion, the second beam extending transversely outwardly of the central body portion and being received in the other of the first or second channels, wherein the first beam is pivotable from a first position in which the first axis defines an acute angle with the second axis and a second position in which the first and second axes are parallel.
 10. The tool assembly of claim 9, wherein the central body portion includes a vertical strut and a base portion.
 11. The tool assembly of claim 10, wherein the base portion of the central body portion defines a threaded through bore.
 12. The tool assembly of claim 9, wherein the vertical strut includes a hook that defines a circular recess and the first beam supports a pivot member, the pivot member received within the circular recess to pivotably couple the first beam to the central body portion.
 13. The tool assembly of claim 9, wherein the first beam includes transverse extensions that extend transversely of the central body portion.
 14. The tool assembly of claim 9, wherein the first beam includes a distal portion that includes a cam member.
 15. The tool assembly of claim 14, wherein the cam member has a distally facing tapered surface.
 16. The clamp assembly of claim 10, wherein the vertical strut includes an upper portion and the first beam defines a longitudinal bore, the upper portion of the vertical strut received within the longitudinal bore when the first beam is in the second position to retain the first beam in the second position. 